Background
Botkin, Benjamin Albert was born on February 7, 1901 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Albert and Annie (Dechinick) Botkin.
Botkin, Benjamin Albert was born on February 7, 1901 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Albert and Annie (Dechinick) Botkin.
Bachelor of Arts, Harvard, 1920. Master of Arts, Columbia, 1921. Doctor of Philosophy, University Nebraska, 1931, Doctor of Letters (honorary), 1956.
From instructor English to associate professor of University Oklahoma, 1921-1940. Assistant instructor U. Nebraska, 1930-1931. Teacher summer sessions U. Montana, 1932, New Mexico Normal University, 1933.
Julius Rosenwald fellow, 1937.
Folklore editor Federal Writers Project, Washington, 1938-1939. Chief editor writers unit Library of Congress Project, 1939-1941.
Resident fellow folklore Library of Congress, 1940-1942, honorary, 1943-1955, Guggenheim fellow, 1951.
Member subcom folk music Office Cultural Presentations, Bureau Ednl. and Cultural Affairs, Department State, 1967-1970. Member of national advisory council National Folk Festival, 1934-1967, board directors, 1967-1975. Fellow American Folklore Society (president 1944-1945, delegate American Council Learned Societies
1951-1953).
Member Manuscript Society, International Folk Music Council, International Society Ethnology and Folklore, Folklore Society Greater Washington, New York (honorary vice president), Northeastern forklore societies, The Westerners, Phi Beta Kappa.
Married Gertrude Fritz, August 30, 1925. Children: Dorothy Ann (Mistress Jerome Alan Rosenthal), Daniel Benjamin.